Top Value Under $500.00

UltraFast69

UltraFast69

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Thought some threads can be started where tested products by forum members can be shared starting in the $500 and under category, first up;

Shunyata’s plug in Defender conditioner at $199.00 MSRP.

These little guys do help by plugging them in an open wall receptacle. I use them in each system in the home including my reference systems digital circuit.

They provide noise reduction and transient protection (surge), I did notice and experience too much a good thing when I plugged a second into the star grounded distribution, it over conditions and took away some of the dynamics, so try them first one at a time starting with the receptacle and see what’s right in your system.

Regarding video, I run 3 Pioneer Elite plasmas and have no plans to upgrade - these plug ins really clean up an already stellar image.

e815b548c1e9ca1138b5f289882cb7b4.jpg
 
Essentially Shunyata "Venom" everything. They are a good value for the money, perform higher than some cables 2-3 times their cost.
 
To which Nordost plug-in device is this an equivalent (they have two)?


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Kuoppis said:
To which Nordost plug-in device is this an equivalent (they have two)?


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Click to expand...

The way I see it, neither, but both I believe can be called conditioners acting in different ways.

The Nordost solution IME works well, but better when using both the QV2 and QK1, but now your north of $500.00, and alone both are more than Shunyata thinking $350 and $250.

The Nordost QV2 and QK1 harmonize the line by emitting pulses to manipulate the sine wave, and resonators to create passive fields - sound familiar?
I run a pair of each in a full Nordost QRT solution.

The Shunysta Defender uses a filter to reduce noise along with surge protection.


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Topping D50(s) DAC $250

XMOS XU208 + 2 x ES9038Q2M + 3 x OPA1612 = really nice chipset
USB: DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz.
COAX and OPT: PCM 24bit/192kHz and DOP DSD64
This little DAC sounds lot like my Stereophile Class A Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Buy an analog power supply with the remaining $250
 
Surprised Randy didn’t beat me.

A UTurn Turntable Custom with phono and upgraded cartridge.

Plug into your phono aux input then drop the arm, your playing vinyl!

$454.00.


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The great Elac B5 (now version 5.2) speakers designed by Andrew Jones. $289 a pair!

Larry
 

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Onkyo 9010 (now replaced by the 9130). I's a great amp for the money. I use mine with my CEC TL51x transport in my study (computer gaming room).
 
I hear the Topping D90 and Gustard A22 DACs with the latest greatest DAC chip, the AK4499EQ, are supposed to be fantastic DACs not only for their price, but compared to many other more expensive DACs. Both DACs are over the $500 threshold suggested by the OP, but not by much.
 
UltraFast69 said:
Surprised Randy didn’t beat me.

A UTurn Turntable Custom with phono and upgraded cartridge.

Plug into your phono aux input then drop the arm, your playing vinyl!

$454.00.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...

Hehe... a good one to be on this list. I would add the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, the SimAudio MOON 110 v2 phono stage, the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery (really good USB re-clocker), Elac Debut Sub 3010; I was going to say Roon lifetime but that is no longer under $500 :(.
 
Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge $480
Nagaoka MP-150
Elac B6.2 speakers now on sale for $230pr, normally $300
Belden 8402 IC's and XLR's $50pr
Teralink X1/X2 Linear power supply from Teradac for Regen $75
Dayton Audio DTA 120a digital amp $100
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 $500pr
 
Stillpoints LPI record clamp, $499,- I believe.

Superb performance.


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I see, lucky me. When I bought it it was 499.

But that was several years ago.


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Top value under $500 would have been Roon lifetime subscription. Unfortunately I just found out that it went up. One good thing is that it never needs replacing since it is regularly being updated at no additional cost.
 
UltraFast69 said:
Thought some threads can be started where tested products by forum members can be shared starting in the $500 and under category, first up;

Shunyata’s plug in Defender conditioner at $199.00 MSRP.



These little guys do help by plugging them in an open wall receptacle. I use them in each system in the home including my reference systems digital circuit.

They provide noise reduction and transient protection (surge), I did notice and experience too much a good thing when I plugged a second into the star grounded distribution, it over conditions and took away some of the dynamics, so try them first one at a time starting with the receptacle and see what’s right in your system.

Regarding video, I run 3 Pioneer Elite plasmas and have no plans to upgrade - these plug ins really clean up an already stellar image.

e815b548c1e9ca1138b5f289882cb7b4.jpg
[/QUOTE

Each of my power amps is on it’s own 20 amp circuit. I have a Defender plugged in to the open receptacle on each of them.

I am happy with their performance.
]
Click to expand...
 
iFi makes a number of products under $500. I have a couple of their AC plugins like the Shunyata pictured. They do help as well.
 
Schiit Modi Multibit DAC $250
Starting Points Systems Non-Oversampling DAC3 $485
Allo Usbridge Signature Streamer $260
Allo DigiOne Signature Streamer $330
Massdrop CTH headphone amp $175
Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark headphone amp $100
 
B&W STAV24 Monitor Speaker stands....can be used for a number of stand mount loudspeaker designs/types (not just B&W 600 series). Fill them with sand and enjoy their inert behavior for cheap.

I personally use the steel spikes on the footer of the stands, and the half circle rubber feet on the top plate to cradle/suspend my monitors instead of "spiking" the base of my speakers. Works well this way.


https://www.bowerswilkins.com/accessories/600-series/stav24-stand

pdf manual: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...%20S2-OM.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0U8AuZ4tnBmGTx5uiWP3cm


 
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